Former All Black Doug Howlett was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly at the Munster Christmas party in the Irish city of Kilkenny early on Tuesday morning.

The New Zealander had been on a night out with his Munster team-mates when gardai (police) were called at around 1.40am. Gardai confirmed a man was arrested for an alleged public order offence involving two other men on John Street in the south Leinster city.

The winger was brought to the city's Garda station, but was later released without charge. It is understood that he will not be charged, but may face a fine under Ireland's Fixed Charge Penalty System.

A spokesman for Munster Rugby last night said they would not comment on any possible civil action against Howlett, but said they took the issue of players' discipline seriously. added that the club "regrets" the alleged incidents in Kilkenny city. "These incidents are being thoroughly investigated by Munster Rugby," he said. "Any behaviour found to be unacceptable will be dealt with in the appropriate manner."

It's the second time the New Zealand winger has been on the wrong side of the law -- as he was also arrested outside Heathrow Airport's Hilton Hotel in London in October 2007. He had to be bailed out after an incident during which two parked cars were damaged.

On that occasion he issued a video apology on YouTube saying he was "embarrassed" about the "tomfoolery" which led to his arrest.

"I apologise to the people back home, family and friends, the New Zealand public, fans and my team-mates," he said at the time. "I am working with the police at the moment to contact owners and fix what I have done wrong. It is an embarrassing time but I do take sole responsibility. There was drink involved and it is not an excuse."